Expect The Unexpected -- 2013 NFL Draft Day One Recap

Coming into the 2013 NFL Draft, nothing was certain. Up until the final second, it was not even positive who the first overall selection would be. In recent years, thanks to technology and social media, the number one pick was known days before the draft even started. However, this year was a different story. It came down to two players--Eric Fisher or Luke Joeckel. 

Fisher was a quiet recruit out of high school. He worked his way through the ranks at Central Michigan using his freakish athletic ability for a man of his size.

Joeckel made his name blocking for the Heisman Trophy winner--Johnny "Football" Manziel. Joeckel consistently gave Manziel time in the pocket to make some of his patented highlight plays.

When it was time, the Kansas City Chiefs decided Eric Fisher was best for their future. This dropped Joeckel down to number two, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Joeckel will get the honors to be one of the first to wear the new Arena Football League-esque Jaguar jerseys and block for All-Pro running back Maurice Jones-Drew.

The Buffalo Bills traded the 8th selection to the St. Louis Rams. The Rams proceeded to select Tavon Austin, a wide receiver with blazing speed out of West Virginia. However, Austin's college teammate and quarterback Geno Smith sat in the green room waiting.....and waiting....and waiting. The Bills received the 16th pick from the Rams in the same trade. This is where Geno Smith goes, right? Wrong. The Bills selected quarterback out of Florida State University, E.J. Manuel. 

The decision to take Manuel over Geno Smith was one of the most questionable decisions of day one. Manuel's height and speed give you something special and it is possible the Bills can mold him into something they want. Many experts had Manuel going in the second round. Very few saw him going this early, let alone ahead of Smith. 

Smith was left alone in the green room at the end of day one, undrafted. He will head into day two expected to be selected within the first few picks. The Jaguars (33rd selection) , Eagles (35th), and Cardinals (38th) are most likely to try and snatch up Smith. 

Smith was not the only one who had to wait longer than expected. Shariff Floyd, projected top-five defensive tackle out of Florida dropped all the way down to 23rd. The Minnesota Vikings couldn't pass up the gift from the football gods. 

The Vikings would eventually trade with the Patriots for the 29th selection, and their 3rd of the first round. To this point, Manti Te'o had not been selected. The anticipation grew and grew. It seemed like forever until Goodell finally made his way up to the podium. Many people already had their tweets and articles written and ready to be posted -- "Manti Te'o avoids day one fallout, goes 29th overall to the Minnesota Vikings." It seemed like a sure thing. Yet, as this draft had done many times already, the Vikings shocked many and selected Cordarrelle Patterson, wide receiver out of Tennessee.

Let's back track a bit. With the 20th selection, the Chicago Bears selected Kyle Long out of Oregon, son of former NFL player Howie Long and brother and current St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long. Kyle, who was once a 23rd round selection in the MLB draft by the Chicago White Sox, had previously academically flunked out of Florida State. (Umm, how do you flunk out of FSU?) Long's problems didn't end there. He was also cited for a  DUI. However, Long has turned his life around incredibly. He is about 4.5 years off of smoking and has built himself to be one of the top offensive linemen in the nation. 

The Green Bay Packers held the 26th selection. They had two glaring needs. Running back and defensive back. With Alabama running back Eddie Lacy and FIU safety John Cyprien available, it seemed definite the Packers would go with either of those two. However, the Packers went a different way and selected Datone Jones, a defensive end from UCLA. This would be a pretty decent pick if not for Green Bay's other needs. With this, they decide to continue with running back by committee. James Starks simply will not cut it anymore, and Alex Green isn't a sure thing. 

Jones will likely come in and get significant opportunities for the Packers. Can't hate the pick, as their defense does need work all around. 

The Ravens picked Matt Elam, safety from Florida, to conclude day one of the first round the the 2013 NFL Draft. 

Overall, one of the most mysterious and interesting drafts of recent memory. Because of the incredible uncertainty with nearly every pick, it was exciting to watch. 

Notable Players Expected To Be Selected Day Two

Matt Barkley

Geno Smith

Manti Te'o

Tyler Wilson

Robert Woods

Eddie Lacy

We should all look forward to the next six rounds of the draft if it brings anything that today did. 

Jimmy Butler Showing Why He Is Major Part Of Bulls Future

In an 85-82 overtime loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Jimmy Butler barely left the floor.

Coach Tom Thibodeau gave Butler the start after he played well down the stretch the night before in a 100-99 overtime win against the Celtics the night before.

Highlights from Butler's great game on the 18th vs. Boston. Notice how well he played in the overtime period.

With Luol Deng out because of a hamstring injury, Butler was able to pile up a total of 48 minutes in the loss to the Grizzlies. His final stat line for the night? 48 minutes, 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 5-13 FG, 8-8 FT, and plenty of hustle plays that kept the Bulls in the game. He shattered his previous career-high in minutes, which was 31 against the Knicks on December 21st. 

Throughout the game, the 23 year-old product out of Marquette showed why he deserves legitimate minutes, even Luol Deng is back. Even though he started a bit slow offensively, he picked it up as the game went on. And as always, he never slowed down on defense. 

Changes are bound to come this offseason. Marco Belinelli, Nate Robinson, Nazr Mohammad, and Vladimir Radmanovic are all likely to not be back next season, with their contracts expiring. Rip Hamilton has a $5 million dollar team option, which I don't expect the Bulls to pick up. That leaves the Bulls with mostly their core. Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng, Taj Gibson, veteren point guard Kirk Hinrich, rookie point guard Marquis Teague and Butler. 

With teams like Miami and OKC at the top of the NBA, Chicago isn't likely to win a championship within the next few years. But with such a young core with Rose, Teague, Deng, Noah, Gibson, and Butler, the Bulls have maybe the brightest future of any team in the league. 

As Butler develops his shot, he will become more and more dangerous. His confidence is building already with the increase of his minutes. He picks his time to shoot very well and scores only when he has to. 

It'll be interesting to see how consistent Butler's minutes are as Deng works his way back into the lineup and eventually when Derrick Rose comes back from his ACL injury.

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D12 Madness Finally Over--Who Got The Best of the 4-Team Trade

Yes, it is over. Dwight Howard is heading to a different team. After wanting seemingly every situation possible, Howard finally settled on LA.

This is the following trade and who recieves what;


Lakers
Dwight Howard

Nuggets

Andre Igoudala


76ers
Andrew Bynum
Jason Richardson

Magic
Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, Nikola Vucevic, Moe Harkless

The Magic will also receive a protected 1st round pick from each of the three other teams.

The immediate question that can never truly be answered correctly is--who got the best out of this trade?

Let's get this out of the way right now--it was not the Magic. They previously had a better offer on the table from Brooklyn and couldn't get it done. They gave up the best center in the league and Jason Richardson for essentially 4 role players. In the end-- not what they wanted to get out of this.

The Nuggets gave up Arron Afflalo and Al Harrington for Andre Igoudala. Because of the move, last year's standout rookie Kenneth Faried will get plenty of time at power forward. Overall, an average move. Didn't lose too much. Didn't gain a whole lot. Igoudala is a great player, but Phila didn't fit him as well as it used to. Hopefully Denver can be a positive move to reburst his career.

The 76ers gave up Maurice Harkless, Nikola Vucevic, and Andre Igoudala for Andrew Bynum and Jason Richardson. The 6ers desperately needed a quality center. Bynum is the answer. Not as big of a market as LA, so hopefully Bynum can quietly perform to the ability that we all know he can. Without the attitude and outbursts, of course. Igoudala has been trying to leave Phili for a few years now, but stayed a loyal player util the end. Harkless is a rookie and Vucevic is essentially a project in the making. J-Rich can still perform at a high level. A very good move by Philadelphia, in my opinion.

The Lakers gave up the second best center in the league for the best. A clear positive move. Hopefully Howard will play hard and not be what he was in Orlando constantly--a problem.  Bynum will be missed.....or maybe not.

In the end, this is how I rank who got the best out of the trade.
1. Lakers
2. 76ers
3. Nuggets
4. Magic

This move can possibly give the Lakers another push for a championship. Especially if Kobe and Nash's age do not catch up to them.

A Lakers vs. Heat, Kobe vs. LeBron, Finals may be upon us.

Only time will tell......

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Dempster Traded To Braves.....Or Not---Twitter-Era Makes Another Major Mistake

I woke up this morning to about 10 texts about Ryan Dempster being traded to Atlanta for Randall Delgado.  Originally, I was ecstatic. 

As a Cubs fan, I love what Dempster has been able to do for us over the past few years. But I am more impressed with what Randall Delgado has the potential to be, a top-tier pitcher. 

So I crawl out of my bed--it is about 2 P.M. mind you--and sign on to Twitter and a few other sites. I read and read. All the sudden, Ryan Dempster isn't actually traded. He is reportedly walking into the Cubs clubhouse in his Cubs jersey. 

So, what happened?

This is exactly what happened. Everyone in sports reporting wants to be the first to report the story. They think being first brings fame. Not true. Being wrong brings fame, and not for the right reasons, however. 

Tweet after tweet from the average fan trying to act like a reporter and announce that Dempster has been traded.

 News spreads these days incredibly fast. But once again, this rumor was not true. Granted, it is possible by the end of the day, Ryan Dempster might possibly be traded to the Braves for Delgado.

But let's keep in mind, Ryan Dempster has a no-trade clause. Before he can be traded, he obviously has to waive that. So if Dempster tweets about no traded being in place, how do people not realize that?

This could possibly be the worst failure to be right before being first in the entire Twitter-era. 

If you learn anything from this, you can be first and be wrong. That makes you look dumb. Be second and be right, you look like a genius. Get your facts straight before talking about something. 

And for the sake of everyone's sanity, leave the reporting to the professionals. 

NBA Free Agent Update--Update on Remaining FAs

We are past the point in the off season where the stars are debating what team to play for next season (for the most part). Now is the time that role players that could be key in a playoff run are doing the same. But the news isn't as publicized.

So I will give an update on many of the top remaining free agents and where they might end up. Starting in alphabetical order.

Gilbert Arenas

The only team Arenas has really been linked to is the Lakers. It is hard to imagine that he won't play next season. Some team somewhere can use a backup point guard. Arenas still has a little left in the tank.

Leandro Barbosa

Reports point to him not returning to the Pacers. The Timberwolves have popped up as a possible dark horse team. Again, someone will eventually pick up Barbosa. He is still an above average shooter. Among various other vets, Barbosa has been linked to the Bulls. Don't expect him to be in Chi-Town, as he is likely near the mid-pack of their list.

Matt Barnes

Barnes might be the top forward left. The defensive specialist has been linked to.....well.....nobody. Again, I do not understand why teams refuse to go after these veterans. Maybe there are talks under the table that we are not hearing. But if Barnes does go anywhere, it is likely he returns to the Lakers.

Mike Bibby

The Knicks will likely bring back the guard. Plain and simple, Bibby is pretty much washed up.

Baron Davis

Davis, coming off a torn ACL, says he has no plans to retire. He was playing well with the Knicks last season before the injury. Hasn't been linked to a team yet, but someone will surface soon enough.

Carlos Delfino

Delfino said he hopes to return to Bucks, but the Pacers and Celtics have showed interest in him. Injury issues supposedly scare some teams away.

Keyon Dooling

Dooling will likely re-sign with the Celt's to pad their backcourt.

Derek Fisher

Fisher has been linked to plenty of teams. Cavs, Bulls, Nets, Thunder, Mavs, Knicks. All reported to be interested in Fisher. He would be a good veteran to have in the locker room and can still do a thing or two on the court.

Jonny Flynn

Lakers, Trail Blazers, Suns, Raptors, Bulls, Nets, and Cavs have all been reported to have interest in the young guard. Still just 23, Flynn has a lot of room to grow.

Randy Foye

Foye is reportedly drawing interest from the Mavericks, Rockets, Knicks, Hawks, Suns and Bucks. A good shooter; he can spread the floor too.

Josh Howard

Howard is drawing interest from the Mavericks, Jazz, Lakers, Nets, Spurs and Celtics. There was a time when Howard was one of the best forwards in the league. But now just a good vet.

Juwan Howard

Howard will likely retire. Says he still wants to play, but he'd be better off coaching or something in the area. 

Yi Jianlian

Yi has drawn more interest from Euro teams than the NBA, but says he is focused on staying in the NBA. 

Carl Landry

The Bobcats are attempting to acquire Landry in a sign-and-trade with the Bobcats. If not, the T'Wolves and Warriors have shown interest.

John Lucas III

Lucas can end up with Miami or Toronto. Miami would be a good place if he wants to win. Toronto is he likes hockey. 

Kenyon Martin

Martin, one of the best remaining FAs has gotten interest from the Warriors. Won't be a surprise if they pick him up. 

Jodie Meeks

The Grizzlies and Lakers have shown interest. He is a talented spot-up shooter who can fit in with just about any team.

CJ Miles

Miles, who has been in the league 7 years but is still only 25, visited with the Mavs recently.

Anthony Parker

Parker officially announced his retirement around the end of June. 

Michael Redd

The Cavs, Suns, and Bulls have shown heavy interest in Redd. Formerly one of the best shooters in the league, Redd can still spot up. 

Brandon Rush

Rush hopes to be signed to an offer sheet by the Lakers, who he recently worked out with.

Brain Scalabrine

Scal says he will play until the kick him out. Possible he returns with Bulls. He is a great locker room guy.

Ben Wallace

If Wallace returns, it is likely he does so with the Pistons.

Delonte West

Mavs and Bulls are West's likely destinations. Still a crafty player.

Many of the teams that are showing interest are doing nothing other than that. Showing interest. They will likely not sign that player. 

There are still plenty of vets left that can be important to a team. 

If there are any players you would like to know about, contact on Twitter. 

@SportNationwide 

Back Back Back--MLB Home Run Derby Predictions

It is that time of year. The Major League All-Star break. Today, the Home Run Derby. Every year, the top home run hitters in the majors square off in a battle to see who is the best home run hitter. Whether it goes 500 feet and barely over the wall, it counts as a single home run. Who will win this year? Take a look

Last Place - Matt Kemp
Kemp had just two homers in last seasons contest. I think he struggles again and is lucky to get more than 5.

7th Place - Carlos Beltran
Love the way he plays the game overall, but just not right for this competition. Expect 3-7 homers.

6th Place - Prince Fielder
His in game struggles this season translate into this contest. 4-8 homers.

5th Place - Jose Bautista
Barely misses second round cut. Saves his power for the second half of the season. 5-10 homers.

4th Place - Mark Trumbo
Trumbo picks up the slack. Shows the world his raw power. 8-15 homers.


3rd Place - Carlos Gonzalez
The underdog in this competition surprises everyone a bit. 7-15 homers.

2nd Place - Robinson Cano
Puts on an absolute show the first two rounds but runs out of gas in the finals. 13-20 homers.

Champion - Andrew McCutchen
McCutchen carries his outstanding play over to KC for the Derby. Welcome your Home Run Derby Champion, Pittsburgh Pirate outfielder, Andrew McCutchen. 15-25 homers.


Predicting the Home Run Derby is always a crap shoot. The best power hitter can often hit less than 5 bombs, while the so-called underdog explodes for 20+ home runs.

Don't expect any McGuire/Sosa type bombs. Don't expect a backwards hat, sweet swinger like Ken Griffey Jr. But as walways, expect to here Chris Berman over and over. And over. And over. And over.

"Back, back, back, back, back, back, back.....GONE!"

Nash to LA; Kidd to NY--Coast to Coast NBA Fans Overract to the Signings of Veterans

Earlier this week, two veteran point guards signed with two new teams.

Steve Nash, 38 years old, signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in a sign-and-trade deal. In return, Phoenix got two first round draft selections and two second round draft selections.

Clearly, Phoenix got the better end of the deal, right? Not according to most of America. For some reason, the Nash acquisition makes the Lakers the favorite for the Finals next season. Or at least according to at least half of the nation.

I understand the country's massive, unreasonable hatred for the Miami Heat. But have a little sense. Whether you like it or not, the Miami Heat are the best team in the NBA. Also, Steve Nash is getting old. We all want him to get a ring. He deserves is. But the Lakers are still not favorites to win anything right now.

Nash is 38 and not getting any younger. His numbers are slowly decreasing. He is becoming a step slower. The Lakers have pretty much one year with Nash to do something big. Chances are, they just won't be able to do it. The Thunder will only get better. And say they do reach the Finals, there is little chance they beat the Heat. But they won't even get that far.

Jason Kidd, 39 years old, is....well.....washed up. I love the way he plays. But we saw how he played last season. He is no where near what he used to be. But him being signed to the Knicks for some reason makes people think the Knicks are so much better. It isn't a bad pick up for the Knicks, but Kidd is barely an average player.

On Twitter, on ESPN Poll questons, on Facebook, and around town, all I hear is how the Lakers and Knicks are going to be so much better. Yes, the Lakers will be better and maybe even the Knicks too, but I'm not sure those pickups alone make them title contenders.

Sorry America, but the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder are still the two best teams in the NBA.